Sevilla boss Matías Almeyda has admitted his disappointment over the departure of Nigerian duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke for the 2025 AFCON, SportPremi reports.
Both players were in inspiring form for Los Rojiblancos, as they trounced Real Oviedo 4-0 in the Spanish La Liga on Sunday, but will miss the next few weeks due to international commitments.
Adams and Ejuke were included in Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad to represent Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations tournament, in a major blow for the Seville-based team.
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They will potentially miss up to four or five matches for the club, depending on how far the Super Eagles go at the tournament in Morocco.
Almeyda voices frustration
Sevilla defeated Real Oviedo 4-0 on Sunday, with Adams scoring once and playing a part in two other goals, while Ejuke who had come into the fray in the second half, added a spectacular fourth.
Both players are very integral to how Matias Almeyda sets up his team and they will leave a huge void with their absence for the next few weeks.
Speaking after the big win, the 51-year-old expressed disappointment and admitted the club will miss the impact of the Nigerian duo over the coming weeks.
“Of course, it disrupts the clubs. When I arrived, I said I would never make excuses, and we will look at how we can get players in this position. I speak a lot with the sporting director about the future.
No, I think the same thing I think of when things don’t go well. They have a lot of talent. The moment you live is not easy for footballers”, the Sevilla manager admitted.
“Some people are out there [in the team]; it takes them a while longer. And it’s in us to give the confidence to each of them to tell them that they’re good and that sometimes things don’t come out.
“Then you have to maintain peace of mind, you have to stay calm and believe and work. And it makes me happy about it, obviously”, Almeyda continued.
“And surely now, beyond the injured we have, we’re going to have two [Ejuke and Adams] less. So we will continue in this battle.”
How many matches will Adams and Ejuke miss for Sevilla?
The African Cup of Nations tournament will kick off on the 21st of December and run through till the final on the 18th of January, 2026.
The Super Eagles commenced preparations on Sunday, with their first game of the tournament coming on the 23rd against Tanzania.
The three-time champions will also face Tunisia on the 27th and conclude group stage action against Uganda on the 30th.
Adams and Ejuke could potentially miss Sevilla’s matches against Alaves, Real Madrid, Levante, Celta Vigo and Elche, depending on how far the Super Eagles end up at the tournament.
